The University of Melbourne

Master of Public Health

Graduate
Apply To This Program

Details

University Location Melbourne, Victoria
City Population 5.3 million
Student Population 53,000
Int'l Student Population 23,850
Main Campus Parkville (Melbourne)
Program Campus Parkville
Program Duration 2 years
Estimated Annual Tuition AUD$60,992 (2025 fees; subject to increase)
Semester Intake February & July
Next Available Intake February
Application Deadline Rolling admissions*
International Places Variable / no set limit
Apply To This Program

Overview

The University of Melbourne is ranked number 1 in Australia and 16th globally for public health (Shanghai Ranking, Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023).

The Master of Public Health will prepare you toward a future career as a leader in public health and health care.

You’ll have the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge required for a career in public health practice. Within the course, you’ll be exposed to the core foundations of public health theory and practice and also have the opportunity to specialize in the advanced public health training streams offered through the University of Melbourne. The Master of Public Health programs at the University of Melbourne are delivered by academic staff with extensive experience and depth of knowledge, who are leaders in their chosen fields of public health.

This course is delivered in a mixed attendance mode (both on campus and online).

Program

There are a range of opportunities during the Master of Public Health  for you to expand your experience to help you better understand public health work across various contents (including overseas) and learn more about possible work opportunities post graduation.

Within the course, many subjects incorporate work-integrated learning (WIL) activities designed to assist you to gain exposure to and an understanding of public health in real-world application.

The Master of Public Health has three components:

1. Core Component
The core component includes up to six subjects that will provide you with a rigorous, multidisciplinary foundation in public health theory and practice, that is essential to all aspects of public health practice.

2. Specialist Component
The specialist component offers you the opportunity to focus on one or more key fields in public health and gain the skills and knowledge required for practice in the area. Melbourne’s Master of Public Health specialized areas:

  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics
  • Evaluation and Implementation Science
  • Gerontology
  • Global Health
  • Health, Gender and Society
  • Health Economics and Economic Evaluation
  • Health Policy, Systems and Practice
  • Indigenous Health
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Sexual Health
  • MD-MPH (Restricted Entry Program)

3. Capstone Experience
The capstone experience will offer you the opportunity to consolidate your specialist training and apply the knowledge gained in the course to real-world scenarios. You may apply to undertake a research project with an expert in their field; a professional practice placement with a recognized agency, institution or community organization concerned with health; or capstone selective subjects.

The Professional Practice Unit (PPU) is the WIL workplace subject that public health students may apply to undertake in the last year of their degree. Students selected for the PPU complete a discrete project in a specialized area of public health at a host organization. The unit allows you to extend your skills in a practical workplace setting, while integrating course theory with practice. You’ll spend a minimum of 20–30 days (160–240 hours) undertaking the PPU with a host organization.

Placement opportunities are available in metropolitan Melbourne, rural Victoria, interstate, and international locations:

  • State government
  • Local government
  • Hospitals
  • Private consultancies
  • International and local non-government organizations
  • Primary health services
  • Research organizations and a range of other health related agencies

Exchange Opportunities
A range of options exist for Master of Public Health students to undertake a semester of studying abroad as part of their experience:

  • Lund University (Sweden) – Master of Public Health
  • McGill University (Canada) – Master of Science in Public Health
  • University of Geneva (Switzerland) – Master of Science (Global Health)
  • Public Health Foundation of India (Delhi and Hyderabad) – Master of Public Health

Admission Requirements

1. Completed bachelor’s degree 
You must have a completed undergraduate degree in any discipline with a weighted average mark of at least 2.8/4.0.

In ranking applications, the selection committee will consider prior academic performance and when relevant, health-related work experience. Successful applicants with an appropriate professional health-related degree or work experience may be granted advanced standing. Please contact OzTREKK for more information.

Admission Timeline

*Rolling admissions; applications are assessed as they are received. You are encouraged to apply at least 6 months prior to the program start date.